Georgian Theatre

Built as Stockton’s tithe barn, the theatre conversion of 1766 was quite radical, raising the original sandstone walls in brickwork (a fact recorded by Winston in The Theatric Tourist, 1805). From 1874-1893 it was used by the Salvation Army and afterwards became a confectionery factory. Gabled with pantiled roof, approached at the south end from the cobbled passage called Green Dragon Yard. A lean-to structure at the southern end is relatively modern, dating from the 1980s. Adjoining is a cottage which was used as a drawing room, actors entering the theatre through a door at the stage end of the east wall. Internally, an uninterrupted volume with an open timber roof and no architectural features of note. The evidence of the Georgian theatre is now of an archaeological nature (theatre historian Richard Southern found traces of a former balcony). A ten month refurbishment completed in 2017 saw the 250 year old theatre combined with the grade II listed former Courtyard Hotel next door, which was purchased by the Council in 2013. A glass atrium now encloses an external staircase connecting the ground, first and second floors of the Courtyard Hotel building and forming the principle entrance to both buildings. It is constructed from curtain walling with two opposing mono pitched roofs. The redevelopment and addition of a second floor has allowed the Georgian Theatre to add a two storey foyer, kitchen, enlarged bar area, and new toilets. Standing capacity for the audience has increased from 200 to 300.